Just a quick question, does anyone know what disc protrusion on L4-5 and?

L5 etc. is the Lumbar discs (lower back) 1 through 5. S1 is the sacrum (very lower back). Oscificaton is the formation of new material. Hope this helps.

Hi Lizzy93, what they are saying by disc protrusion is the disc material which is a cushtion between your vetebrae in your spine, are sticking out or protrubing out of their natural position. For some this is found by accicdent on an x-ray, & for others it is a vey painful scenerio because the part that is protruding could be pinching a nerve or pressing on the spinal canal causing a spinal stenoisis. The last two causing quite a bit of pain in the lower back, hips & legs, & can be clear to the toes.Conventional therapy is usually a few days of rest, & then exercising to strengthen the core muscles, physical therapy to learn how to use or not use your lower back in lifting etc... & exercises to get better, and not to do something to make the condition worse. This helps some, & some it does not & a surgery consult would be in order for those with a neurosurgeon. The tchniques today are very less invasive, & technically wonderfully with little or no invasion & huge scars, & long recovery periods like it was years ago when I had mine done. Osification on your S1 is bone changes that are showing on your x-rays or MRI's. Good tools to better help the doctor make the correct diagnosis in best how to help your symptoms. Most people eventually get these problems as they age. Some get by without any problems or pain,but some have much dificulty. & need training or physical therapy to learn how to better deal with this, or even the surgery I mentioned. Hope this helps you understand a bit better, & wishing you the best of health. Ask questions, lots of them when you visit the doctor. I write them down as I think of them way before my appoinment so I don't forget. It's too easy to get off track, & totally forget these questions. otherwise. Believe it or not, the doctor usally appreciates a patient who is well infomed & proactive about their health. You can do lots of research about your problems on the internet through this site, WebMD.com, & many other places. We have wonderful support groups here for your problems with other memebers going through the same things. A good place to find out information, & also learn all the different techniques, what works & what doesn't so welcome & I hope you stay with us...